Handshakes are important because they tell me a lot about a person. In all my years, I’ve never been disappointed by anyone who has given a firm, enthusiastic handshake (not counting election years.) My father told me never trust someone who doesn’t offer their hand, or if the hand they offer is limp or unengaged.
“Either way, chances are they aren’t the kind of person you can trust with an agreement or respect in a disagreement.”
In the blogging world, we rarely get the chance to shake hands in person. We do it with our words — in what we say in our posts, what we share, how we comment and reply. And though I can’t say I’ve had the pleasure of shaking the hand of Robert Goldstein, I’m certain it would be the kind my father would approve of and respect. Until a couple of weeks ago, Robert was a fellow nominee for Performance of the Year in The Public Blogger’s “A Star is Born” competition. He was one of the first nominees I gravitated to because, in addition to his talent as an artist and writer, it was immediately clear that he was a man with a firm grasp on many of the virtues I respect. He is a humanitarian at heart, constantly offering insightful pieces and perspectives on what it means to be human — and how to stay that way in a world that often seems to challenge that notion.
So when I received the following message from Robert, I was especially honored:
Hi Ned, I have created the “Respect Award” for fellow bloggers who consistently reach out to other bloggers, offer support, are kind, struggle to understand differences in people, and who treat themselves and other people with kindness and respect. This is my way of saying thank you.
You have earned my respect.
— Robert
What are the rules for the Respect Award? Recipients don’t have to do anything for this award. They can choose to copy the award art created by Robert and pass it on to people who have earned their respect — or they can do nothing. The only requirement has already been met when the award is given: Being someone worthy of respect.
Though Robert is no longer in the competition, having discovered him and his work through it is something I will take away with me long after the winner is announced at the end of December. The fact that I can call him a friend makes me proud; the fact that I have earned his respect would make my father proud.
And the fact that Robert’s handshake is unquestionably a firm one goes without saying… and one I hope to share in person some day.
Ned's Blog 
What a wonderful award! And honor… I will be checking out his blog. Because anyone who is worthy of YOUR respect must be worthy of mine.
Handshakes are a way I judge people also. They say A LOT about that person. Hands in general do. It is always the first thing I look at! Rock on my friend!~
Thanks, Courtney 😉 I know you will love his perspectives and art. And you’re right, hands say so much about us, from how they look to the way we move them and what we do with them when communicating. What we do with them after that is probably better left unsaid…
Definitely deserved.
Thank you, my friend. Yours is another hand I’d like to shake some day.
The feeling is mutual Ned.
Like souls tend to gravitate to one another. A well deserved award for you, my friend.
So very true, Susan — and thank you 😉
great point, and love the award idea. p.s. trump hates shaking hands. just saying –
I agree. I think the idea of celebrating respect for one another is a wonderful idea — and very much like him to get started 😉
And yeah,thaat makes sense with Trump…
No strings attached. I respect that.
Strings or not, thanks, Ross. And a handshake with you at some point is definitely something I’d enjoy.
I’m eating a clementine, so now’s probably not a good time.
Probably for the best; things could get sticky.
I don’t know, I think that the firm handshake is just a sign that the person does physical labor, or has been working out, or a politician. Creating an opinion about someone based on how firm their hand feels – that’s just encouraging politicians and serial hand crushers.
But congratulations on your award!
Lol! That’s why I leave politicians out of the equation. Although one that does physical labor would probably get my vote.
I think shaking hands with a thousand people every day could count as doing physical labor.
I can’t think of anyone more worthy.
I appreciate that, Scott.
I’ve never met you in person, but having read your blog for quite a while now, and the fact that you always reply to your comments, gives me no reason to question that you deserve the award.
Oops it should have said “gives me no reason why you don’t deserve the award”, gosh so sorry, my previous wording sucked.
I understood perfectly what you meant. Scary, isn’t it? — and thank you 😉
When there’s no hoop-jumping – very respectful. You deserve it, Ned. 🙂
Thanks, Lynette 😉
This is awesome. You are a class act and i would be proud to shake your hand.
Given the opportunity, I would definitely be happy to do the same 😉
Damn you – you’ve brought a tear to my eye….and I can’t remember if I’m wearing waterproof mascara. I agree with you about the handshake, though as I am a wearer of knuckleduster rings it does present an interesting dilemma for the handshakee.
Lol! It would still be worth the risk 😉
Well, at least I don’t wear a thumb ring on my right hand any more – not since my near fatal mountain bike incident, that thumb is a little twisted!
Yikes! Good thing it wasn’t a nose ring.
Hand shakes are too much pressure… that’s why I go straight for the hug… the long, creepy hug…
Thanks for the heads-up…
you have been warned
My namesake sound like an exceptional mammal, Ned… and he’s not alone.
Respect.
Ned, thank you for those words. Being nominated and meeting you and the other nominees is a blessing for me. Thank you for accepting the award. (Shakes Ned’s hand.) 🙂
It’s a blessing — and handshake — we share, my friend 😉
Thank you Ned…I appreciate your words and feelings.
Reblogged this on Art by Rob Goldstein.
Tears, because I feel the same way. Except in lieu of the usual “Cyberhugs💘e” I give him, the firm handshake would be followed by my famous “LAWD I Really Needed That” Bear Hug!
Sooooo well said…a tribute to Robert that’s beyond well deserved!
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I’m sure Robert would appreciate both a handshake and bear hug 😉
I can only agree with what you said. Rob is an amazing blogger and he is a wonderful person (although I don’t know him personally, I’m pretty sure about that…).
I think that’s a safe bet 😉
…and the point where two great people meet 😉
It’s an honour being in the position of learning from great minds.
#BLESS